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“You can be an A student in English in China and still not be ready to go up to an American on a sidewalk and say, ‘Excuse me, can I interview you?’” says Daly, who teaches a seminar for graduate students from abroad.”

I am a BU grad. It seems to me that students from China have the work ethic that my generation had. So today’s students should use them as an example of hard work that pays off. Not to think of life as easy, which I think may be the attitude of some American students. I wish all students good luck in this ever-increasing, complicated world. I believe in the motto ” life is not about finding yourself , it’s about creating yourself”. Connie’55

Two things bother me about this. How many American students are denied admission for a Chinese student who has no plans to stay once they graduate? And if the Chinese are among our main competitors both in trade and innovation, should we really be advancing their education, and helping them to become the bigger economic superpower?

To answer your questions:
1. With the financial crisis and higher risked student loan, many Chinese students pay tuition by themselves. That saves US education institutions.
2. After a Chinese student graduates, if he stays, then you would say he is stealing a US job; if he returns, you would say he competes with the US. This is loser entitlement mentality. Why don’t you think the other way: you can work harder and do better in the competition?

That seems like a terrible attitude. The best way for countries to learn how to work together is to understand each other, and education is a great way to forge lasting ties. And don’t forget, having students in class from all corners of the earth enriches the academic and social experience of students from America, too–they are benefiting immensely from getting to see other world views. Having a diverse international community is an asset any university would be lucky to have.

To stay or to leave? The question comes to puzzle more and more Chinese students in the States because the unique advantages of both of the choices are dramatically appealing. The choice between a higher start point and more stable working & researching conditions in the States versus more opportunities, wider creating space in China is like the “fish versus bear’s-paw” analogy. However, the dilemma will never demolish some of our dreams or force us to make hard choices because both of the choices can offer us increasingly brilliant futures. By the way, I hope my undergraduate admission goes well.

I had always had a stereotype of Asians as group-oriented societies. So I was very surprised by the Academics video to see that the Chinese student at BU had so much difficulty adjusting to group projects—very eye-opening! Thanks, BU Today!

Just saw this news from sina weibo. The development of china has grown at an AMAZING rate recently. Meanwhile, there are some serious problems happening in China, like culture protection. I think the Chinese government should put forth great effort to preserve the character and culture of a city. A city is richer for having tangible relics of past eras, not just the urban buildings.

Excellent report. It’s been a long debate on the choice after graduation: to stay, or to return? For decades students from China would rather stay in the States, even as aliens with a mediocre life. Returning to China had been despised and even treated like a joke since, as seen by them, only losers who couldn’t adapt to American life would go back home. This series, however, marked down the rise of opinion on the other side: Return, Revive, and Rebuild. Based on the returned precedents, we are given a new picture of leading successful life in a thriving country with an ever-growing market. Hopefully, similar reports and opinions will erase the negative impression of returning to China little by little. Some of comments also make sense, and points in the report remain debatable. Honestly， for us who are capable of studying abroad are absolutely capable of leading a relatively superior life in China as well, it doesn’t make this report pointless. The shrinking of the US job market propelled this trend and at the same time growing knowledge of the US among Chinese students made them no longer regard US as heaven.

Excellent work! I cannot imagine that BU can make such a complete video series to go inside the Chinese student community. It is important for both Chinese and American students to learn about the people around them.
Without any doubt, BU is ahead of many colleges in the States. Well done job!

I came to BU for MBA studies in 1982. Most Chinese students at that time were from Taiwan, Singapore, or Hong Kong. I am happy that BU is now taking up the task of educating such promising students from China. It is indeed a privilege to nurture these young people who are so precious to their parents. It warms my heart to see that BU values its Chinese connection and is committed to help its Chinese students thrive. These students, whether they’ll stay here in America or return to China, will certainly contribute to building a new China that is more cooperating and involving in the global community.

This makes me regret choosing GW over BU. I can see this university really cares about its students, not only the domestic ones but also those international ones who really need more help from the university. Job well-done, BU! Makes me feel jealous to those who go there!

It’s wonderful having a diverse group of students at BU. However, I wish that the university had a more formal orientation program for Chinese students to help them prepare for the differences in educational style mentioned in the article. It could include an introduction to the writing center, information about course structure (syllabi, blackboard, etc.), and encouragement to interact with professors and fellow students when there is a need for help. I know that other universities do so, not only was it mentioned in the article, but I have friends who have worked in the programs, and I don’t know why we don’t have such a program at BU — particularly given how intensely we are recruiting Chinese students.

Great article! I myself know a couple of people mentioned in this article. I’m an American-born Chinese, but I went to BU a few years ago and now work in Shanghai. I am all too familiar with those from China who try to accomplish the “China Dream” of getting a foreign educated and hoping to make something of themselves in China; hopefully in a greener manner. Funny that Nederlander was mentioned, because one of the first job interviews I had after graduating from BU was with them. Yes to the efforts of more Broadway shows brought to China, but maybe it should have more Chinese content in order to appeal to the masses. Chicago was supposed to debut in Shanghai but that got cancelled; probably deemed too raunchy for the municipality.

This article fully described the reason that I choose to come to the US and spend the most important four years here. Thanks BU! I’m using this as a resource for my transfer application essay to BU. Hope I can join this great community this fall.

OMG, I’m a transfer student applying BU right now. At first I just dropped by and trying to figure out some ideas about the short essay about why BU is my best fit. I saw this on the home page and I recognized those scenes. I feel so warm and touched. I don’t know how you guys feel, but as a Chinese, at that moment, I knew BU would be my best choice.

Very interesting and engaging article. I am especially interested as a BU alum and a current host parent for a Chinese exchange student (11th grade). I am sure that she will be interested in reading this as well. Well done, BU Today!